Setting spray is an essential part of any makeup routine. Once you’ve applied all your favorite products, from foundation to concealer to contour, you need a solid product to lock it all in to prepare for whatever comes next. But if you’re someone who has oily skin like me, it can be a frustrating task. When I first started out in beauty, I used to constantly blot and touch up so my face wasn’t a shiny mess because I simply wasn’t using the right makeup. Luckily, I’ve done trial and error with lots of mists and scoured the internet to find which ones are best for us shiny folks. Keep reading for the best setting sprays for oily skin.
We’re starting out strong with Urban Decay’s De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray. I bought this in December (along with a smaller size for travel) and it’s now a permanent part of my collection. One Ulta review called it “hairspray for the face” and raved about how long it lasted on a night out. Not sure whether to get this spray or the Ultra Matte one? UD says De-Slick is for controlling oil and deflecting surface shine, while Ultra Matte mattifies makeup while blocking oil and shine.
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is pure perfection. Film-former polymers work to form a breathable film across your face to lock makeup in place, while Japanese green tea hydrates and supports the natural moisture barrier. The alcohol- and oil-free formula seals the deal for up to 16 hours without melting or fading.
PYT Beauty is a relatively new player in the beauty space, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. The One & Done Setting Spray hydrates and sets without making oily skin worse. It has powerful antioxidants to help fight environmental aggressors like pollution. Also, this packaging is simply adorable…which is half the fun of buying makeup, right?
Another selection that is raved about by folks with oily skin, the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray is an affordable, effective product–my two favorite things! It can be used as the final step in your routine to preserve your look or on its own on no-makeup days when you’re out and about. The formula is lightweight and comfortable on the skin.
Next up is the Smashbox Photo Finish Endurance Breathable Setting Spray. The secret to its success is a silkscreen complex made up of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, trehalose sugar and probiotic extract. It works overtime to set your makeup for up to 12 hours and hydrate at the same time for up to 16 hours.
Another Urban Decay selection worth buying, the All Nighter Setting Spray has over 23,000 reviews on Ulta and over 18,000 of those are 5 stars. It’s transfer-proof, smudge-proof and has 16 hours of wear. One reviewer said it withstood 97 degree California weather and Disneyland’s Splash Mountain–and didn’t budge. As compared to the De-Slick spray, this mattifies makeup while blocking oil and shine.
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist has powerhouse ingredients to leave a shine-free finish. Aloe delivers anti-inflammatory benefits while elderflower extract smooths for a healthy complexion. One Ulta reviewer said the mist made it look like they have a “real life filter.” That’s impressive! E.l.f. never fails to deliver accessible and affordable products.
We love to see the affordable drugstore options, and Maybelline specifically also comes through with high-quality staples. The Lasting Fix Setting Spray is a super fine mist that doesn’t leave weird dots or residue on your face (looking at you, Morphe). Reviewers say it also doesn’t have a strong fragrance.
Can we take a moment to talk about Patrick Starr’s packaging? The dark red and blush pink combination is a makeup lover’s dream. The On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray has an aerosol spray application that makes it feel (and act) like hairspray for your face. Green tea extract helps to tighten pores and witch hazel absorbs oil for a blurred finish.
Milani doesn’t get the amount of attention it deserves. They have fantastic products at a low price point, and this includes the Make it Last Charcoal Matte Setting Spray. The formula features micro-fine charcoal powder and silica to set your face whether you’re doing a soft neutral look for work or going full glam on a night out. Make sure to shake well before using.
Another highly underrated brand, CoverFX’s Mattifying Setting Spray is an alcohol-free formula with kaolin clay to absorb all that excess oil and minimize shine. As with other sprays on this list, you can use before applying your foundation as well as after for an ultra-matte look.
Ever wanted to smell like a dreamsicle after you’ve applied your setting spray? Now you can. The Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day Setting Spray comes in a variety of delectable scents that make the last step in your routine the best part. The cooling formula is to die for, and even better, you’re supporting a smaller, hard-working brand.
The last spray on this list is the most affordable of the bunch. Wet n Wild’s Focus Matte Finish Spray extends the wear of your makeup without compromising on quality or breaking the bank. The formula has aloe vera to hydrate and give your skin a bit of extra pampering. It helps to reduce shine while preventing cracking, fading or creasing.
